Over the past two months we’ve received so many fantastic entries to our Graduate of the Year 2015, and the votes have been flooding in. Students from all around the UK have entered, and many more of you have cast your votes for friends and family, and we are ready to introduce you to the UK finalists! For the next stage of the contest, a panel of international business experts at Adzuna will deliberate, debate, and scratch their heads, before picking just one British student to represent the nation in the global final.
The graduate who wins the hearts and minds of our panel of international business experts will be crowned UK heat winner in our global competition (and bag a certificate of attainment and an Amazon Kindle to boot). So, without further ado, meet our brilliant candidates:
Oliver Porter
Name: Oliver Porter
Age: 22
University: Sheffield Hallam University
Category: Social
About Oli: Driven by his passion for sport, Oliver opted to study Sport Business Management, perhaps with a view to a career in sports marketing or a related field. Beyond academic achievement, he prides himself on a full portfolio of altruistic activities, volunteering with UK Sport in Tanzania, at the Youdan Trophy, supporting the Rugby World Cup , acting as a Faculty of Health and Wellbeing Committee Member and Sport Departmental Board Student Representative at Sheffield Hallam University.
Proudest achievement: Having volunteered for a second tour of Tanzania earlier this year for UK Sport, Oli promptly took the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, at short notice!. Having borrowed a wardrobe of appropriate clothing, he rose to the challenge and, without any training, conquered the 5,895m mountain. Impressive!
Inspired by: Inspired by his close family and friends, Oli is glad to be surrounded by an amazing bunch of positive-thinking people, who are always there for him when he needs them.
Matt Brighton
Age: 21
University: Staffordshire University
Category:
About Matt: After graduating from Staffordshire University this year with a 2:1 in Graphic Design, Matt has his sights set on a trailblazing career in marketing, branding or design. Outside the lecture theatre, Matt acted as a Student Ambassador and Student Life speaker, giving inspirational speeches to up to 400 fellow students on a regular basis. We look forward to your first TED Talk, Matt!
Proudest achievement: Walking across the stage at graduation, knowing he had no only excelled academically, but built a great life from his university days, gathering experiences, making new friends, and learning more than he thought possible!
Inspired by: Steve Jobs – his passionate work ethic and inspiring speeches gave Matt his passion going the extra mile.
Sophie Howard
Name: Sophie Howard
Age: 21
University: University of Worcester
Category: Academic
About Sophie: Once convinced her dream of attending university would be out of her reach, due to her Chron’s disease, Sophie has proven everyone wrong by not only attaining a 2:1 degree in Media and Cultural Studies, but has even been awarded a scholarship to study a Masters in Leadership and Management. Driven by her own story, Sophie now dreams of taking a lead role within a charity, and hopes to be a role model to other young people with Crohn’s disease – proving that anything is possible, and that no disease or disability should determine your future.
Proudest achievement: Sophie was delighted to complete a charity fundraiser last year! Marking her first time raising a significant amount of money for a cause she believed in, she was proud and thrilled to see everyone come together to support her.
Inspired by: Despite our arguments, my mom is my inspiration to succeed. She is so strong and has been put through her paces but she always comes out the other side.
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